Red Cross Training

Red Cross training courses give your staff the skills and confidence they need to provide effective first aid. Our courses are a mix of theory and practical experience.

It is essential for delegates to understand the thinking behind first aid protocol. As such, our Red Cross trainers ensure that they clearly explain the theory behind the first aid facts, using presentations and group discussions.

An example is CPR. At the start of the session, the trainer explains how CPR works, giving figures and examples to show how effective it is in saving lives. The trainer will then go on to demonstrate the technique before getting delegates to practice for themselves.

Being able to perform first aid in real-life situations takes knowledge and confidence. Delegates who attend our courses gain both through hands-on exercises. Our trainers work with them to ensure that they can correctly perform key first aid skills.

Practical exercises sometimes involve pairing up with another member of the group, such as putting on a sling.

On other occasions an Annie manikin doll is used – for example for CPR. The Annie manikin allows delegates to practice their technique and for trainers to see if there are any problems.

Throughout the training session, trainers use examples of their own to illustrate situations in which techniques or skills can be used. They also ask group members if they have ever come across a situation where first aid skills were needed.

For example one of Trainer Alison Davis’ most memorable moments came when she was working as a volunteer at a horse event when one of the car park ropes came loose.

“One of the horses bolted, leaving a gentleman standing nearby with nasty whip injuries on his leg.” Luckily Alison and her colleagues were on hand to attend to him.

This really helps our delegates to see that learning first aid is not just any old training course. On some occasions the skills learned can be a matter of life and death and on most occasions can make things immeasurably better for the casualty and stop things getting worse.

When we asked some of our trainers what the best thing about Red Cross training was, they were unanimous.

“Teaching someone skills that they might one day use to save another person’s life”

We continually invest in our trainers to make sure their knowledge and skills are as up to date as possible. They spend at least one day every three months updating their skills.

We also continually monitor our staff to ensure that our strict quality control standards are maintained throughout the country. Some courses are also observed by external monitors.